The incredible Series 20 Orbit Block™ is capable of loads up to 250kg (550lb) while weighing a mere 9 grams. It’s so light that it needs to be lashed down! Great for control lines on dinghies and catamarans to 5m (16ft).

Materials:

Sheave: High compression strength carbon Acetal

Ball bearings: stainless steel

Frame/Cheeks: Nylon

Description

Sheave Dia.

Max Rope

Max Working Load

Breaking Load

Weight

in

mm

in

mm

lb

kg

lb

kg

oz

g

Series 20 Ball Bearing Block

3/4

20

1/4

6

550

250

1,210

550

0.30

9

Product Review:This product has been reviewed on APS' Blog, The Stern Scoop; take a look for more information.

Orbit Blocks™ represent the future of racing sailboat hardware. The choice of the world’s best racing
sailors, they offer a no-compromise solution. Their flexible lashing and Dyneema® Link technology comes from the latest trends in development classes and grand prix ocean racing. The product of meticulous engineering, they deliver the ultimate in strength, weight saving and control.

Advanced fibre and polymer technology that is up to ten times stronger than steel delivers a product
that is more compact and lighter too. Through 3D modelling, Finite Element stress analysis and mould flow analysis, our engineers made sure that everything performs both in the laboratory and in the real world. Months of on-water testing by elite sailors pushed the product to their limits. After further optimisation and fine-tuning, they’re now ready for you to test!

Applications:

Mainsheet systems and spinnaker sheets on dinghies to 5m (16ft)

Halyard, vang and backstay applications on boats to 5m (16ft)

Control line applications on larger yachts

Materials:

Sheave: High compression strength carbon black Acetal

Ball Bearings: High compression strength Acetal

Frame/Cheeks: Toughened, glass fibre reinforced Nylon

Link: UV stabilised, multi-strand impregnated SK75 Dyneema®

Note: “D” suffix blocks have a self-lubricating Nylatron® sheave and full contact
bearing for high dynamic loads

Ronstan’s proven ‘two-stage’ bearing system enhances durability and low friction performance across the full working load range. The Dyneema® link provides a more flexible, lighter weight and lower profile solution than traditional shackles. It is also more compatible with Dyneema®/Spectra® strops, webbing and carbon connection points than steel loop tops or shackles. Can be set at 0 or 90o orientation, provides stress free articulation with no over-rotation and a security clip locks it in place. Suitable for sheet applications on dinghies, sportsboats and small one-design keel boats, vang and backstay applications on boats to 9m (30’), and control lines on larger boats.

Applications:- Mainsheet and Spinnaker sheets on dinghies, sportsboats and small keel boats to 9m (30ft).
- Halyard, Vang and Backstay applications on boats to 8m (26ft).

Bettering the world’s ultimate ratchet block is no mean feat, but that’s exactly what the Ronstan Series 40mm Orbit Block has done. A unique sheave design has 12 gripping faces that directly resist loaded line movement and provide up to 25:1 holding power, nearly double that of its nearest competitor! Available as autoratchet or manual. Sophisticated, sheave cross-hole geometry delivers superior rope wear performance and is lighter weight than its closest competitors. The machined alloy sheave and ingeniously simple mechanism ensure reliability and long life. Essential equipment when you want the most holding power you can get.

In Auto mode the ratchet mechanism engages automatically when load is applied to the block, but switches off when the load is released to allow the sheet to run out smoothly and freely. This is particularly beneficial for rapid sheeting out in bear-aways at the top mark and for tacking asymmetric spinnakers.

In Manual mode the ratchet mechanism can be switched on or off as required. This is still often the preferred feel for mainsheets by many top sailors. In the end manual or auto mode often comes down to personal feel preference. Try the block in both modes and make up your own mind – you really can’t go wrong.

Ronstan’s proven ‘2-stage’ bearing system further enhances durability and low friction performance across the full working load range. The flexible Dyneema® link is an extension of latest trends in grand prix ocean racing and provides a more flexible, lighter weight and lower profile solution than traditional shackles. It can be set at 0 or 90 degree orientation, provides stress free articulation without allowing over-rotation, and is locked in place with a security clip. The Ronstan Dyneema® link is also more compatible with Dyneema®//Spectra® strops and, webbing and carbon connection points than steel loop tops or shackles. 55mm Ball Bearing Orbit Blocks™ are suitable for sheet applications on dinghies, sportboats and small one-design keel boats and for control lines on larger boats.

Applications:- Mainsheet and Spinnaker sheets on dinghies, sportboats and small keel boats to 9m (30ft).
- Halyard, Vang and Backstay applications on boats to 8m (26ft).

RF2455: Stand-Up Base:
Kit features a clatter-free rubber boot. You can attach the Dyneema® link so that the block is aligned with the stand-up base or across it. It’s a neat, low-profile solution which allows full articulation.

Kilogram for kilogram of working load, BB Orbit Blocks™ are the world’s lightest. The unique orbital design allows the bearing to only be in the active areas of the floating sheave, minimizing the mass of the inactive return race and hub. The orbital ball-bearing arrangement gives the largest possible bearing race diameter, which maximises load performance. The Dyneema® Link is produced from FSE Robline SK75 fibre, which is 10 times stronger and lighter than steel, and provides the final connection from the block to the load point. The flexible Dyneema® Link also provides controlled rotation and 0° or 90° orientation. It connects directly to the head of the block rather than to an intermediate head post, reducing weight and giving the lowest possible profile while allowing full articulation.

Applications:
- Mainsheet systems and spinnaker sheets on sportsboats and small keelboats to 11m (36ft)
- Halyard, Vang and Backstay application on boats to 9m (30ft)
- Control line applications on larger yachts

The auto mode of the ratchet mechanism engages when load is applied, but switches off when it's released. This lets the sheet run out smoothly and freely-great for rapid easing of the sheet and for gybing asymmetric spinnakers. Quite simply, Ronstan Ratchet Series 70 Orbit Blocks™ have the highest holding power available. The sophisticated NC-machined sheave features Generation 2 of our patented sheave cross-hole geometry. Its holding power is up to 21:1, almost double that of our nearest competitior. The unique sheave design has 12 gripping faces which directly resist loaded line movement. The Dyneema® Link is easily fitted and is retained securely by a moulded retainer clip and the flexible link can be left with one end attached to the block when fitting - no more lost shackle pins.

RF2457: Stand-Up Base: Kit features a clatter-free rubber boot. You can attach the Dyneema® link so that the block is aligned with the stand-up base or across it. It’s a neat, low-profile solution which allows full articulation.

RF900510: Dyneema Link:
Replacement link that suits all Series 70 Single Ball Bearing(BB) or Ratchet(RT) blocks.